Ashton Funeral Home

Obituaries

Justin Matthew “Jutt” Sokoloski

June 19, 2023

Justin Matthew “Jutt” Sokoloski, 39, of Tamaqua, died Monday, June 19, 2023 in his home. Born April 16, 1984 in Phillipsburg, he was the son of Linda Grace Sokoloski of Bangor and the late Lawrence J. Smith, Jr. Jutt was a self-employed carpenter in the Lehigh Valley. He enjoyed writing poetry and he loved the outdoors.

Surviving with his mother, Linda, are a sister, Katrina L. Smith of Easton; two brothers, Lawrence J. Smith, III of Phillipsburg and Ryan D. Shannon of Easton; and two daughters, Mackenzie and her mother, Kersten Russo, and Crista.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 29, 2023 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

John “Jack” Corcoran

June 15, 2023

Jack Corcoran

John E. “Jack” Corcoran, 92 formerly of Palmer Twp., PA died Thursday, June 15, 2023 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg. Born October 17, 1930 in Chicago, IL, he was the son of the late Della (Nihil) and Edward Corcoran. He was a graduate of the University of Illinois Engineering School and was a Korean War Army Veteran. He was employed by the American Can, Georgia Pacific and Armstrong Companies for more than 50 years before retiring as a Quality Control Managing Engineer. Jack was a member of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, Palmer Twp. and was the Treasurer for the Palmer Twp. Sewer Authority for 20 years. He was a Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Palmer Twp. where he was very involved with the scholarship committee. He also volunteered for numerous non-profit organizations, including food pantries.

He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Barbara (Dickinson) Corcoran; two daughters: Elizabeth Brennan (husband Jim) of Groton, MA, Brynne Openshaw (husband John) of Wark, England; 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister: Frances Fisherkeller.

Mass will be held 10:30 AM Tuesday, June 20, at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, 4049 Hartley Ave., Easton with a calling period from 9:30 to 10:15 AM in the church. Interment is in Gethsemane Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kiwanis Foundation of Palmer Twp., P.O. Box 3165, Palmer, PA 18043. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Geraldine Edery

June 14, 2023

Geraldine Edery, 76 of Forks Twp., PA died Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Easton Campus. Born October 4, 1946 in Brooklyn, NY she was a daughter of the late John and Alma (Brady) McGowan. She had been employed by Grumman Aerospace (now Northrup) in Long Island and Stone and Webster Engineering for many years. Gerry was a volunteer for Save-a Pet in Port Jefferson and of the Catholic faith.

She is survived by her husband of 42 years: Michael Edery; children: Marc Maniscalco (Ellen Gilbert) of Queens, NY, Christine Todd (Benjamin P. Todd) of Manhattan, NY, Sarah Edery-Altas (Onder Altas) of Orange, NJ, Michael Edery of Rocky Point, NY; a sister: Barbara McNulty of Buford, SC and 5 grandchildren: Benjamin D. Todd, Eva Edery, Julia Todd, Michael Todd and Ayla Altas.

Mass will be held 10:30 AM Friday (June 23) in St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, 4049 Hartley Ave., Easton, PA with visitation 6 to 7:30 PM Thursday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA. Interment is in The Historic Easton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Baldrick Foundation, 1333 S. Mayflower Ave., Suite 400, Monrovia, CA 91016. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

 

Luanne S. Kuimjian

June 14, 2023

Luanne Z. Kuimjian

Luanne Zahniser (Miller) Kuimjian passed away one day shy of her 90th birthday, on June 14, 2023, surrounded by family. Born June 15, 1933 in Easton, PA, she was the daughter of the late Stewart and Frances Zahniser. Luanne was a graduate of Brighton High School (1952) and Syracuse University (1956). She spent the majority of her life in Rochester, NY but moved to Pittsburgh, PA in 2020 to be closer to family. She will be greatly missed by her children and grandchildren whom she loved beyond measure.

She is survived by her daughter: Francye (Craig) Kinney of Sewickley, PA, son: Stewart Miller of Sacramento, CA and was the beloved ‘Mimi’ to her 5 grandchildren: Ashton (Alyssa) Kinney, Meredith (Clay) Macomber, Ian (Kylie) Miller, Kerry Miller, Mallory Miller and 3 great grandchildren. Also surviving are her sister-in-law: Paula Zahniser and nieces: Lisa Zahniser, Dulce Zahniser, and Jane O’Neill. Her parents and her brother: Frank Zahniser predeceased her.

A family service will be held in Easton. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Interment is in The Historic Easton Cemetery. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Doreen E. Jennings

June 9, 2023

Doreen E. Jennings, 83 years old of Bethlehem, died Friday, June 9, 2023 in Lehigh Valley Hospital Muhlenberg. Born on August 3, 1939 in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Carl E. and Grace (Miller) Trexler. Her husband, David J. Jennings, Sr. died in 2006. She resided at the Lutheran Manor, Westgate Dr., Bethlehem where she will be remembered there and missed in the Bible Studies and Socials. She always loved singing along with the performances.

Surviving are her daughter, Christina Jennings and her significant other, Benjamin Bowen; her brother, Ralph Trexler; three stepsons; seven grandchildren; and a great grandchild.

Graveside services will be held at 9:30 am on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 in Northampton Memorial Shrine, 3051 Green Pond Rd, Palmer Township. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Karen Royal

June 8, 2023

Karen Royal, 71, of Wilson Borough, transitioned to the spirit on Thursday, June 8, 2023. Karen was born to Gertrude Brown on December 4, 1951, in New York City. Karen worked in the medical department at Integrity House Inc. in Newark, New Jersey for 24 years, where she positively impacted the lives of many. Karen was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Karen was preceded in transition by her younger brother Keith, older sister Joyce Ann Wiggins, and Brother in law Clarence Wiggins, nieces Roslyn, and Cheanon, and her nephews Parrish Sr., and Parrish Jr. Surviving are her children, Sahib and Tara Brown of Chesterfield, VA; Corisha Brown of New York City; Jvenghn and Chayla Brown of Palmer Township, PA; and Takiyah Royal of Hackensack, NJ; her mother Gertrude Brice of Grifton, NC; her siblings, Kevin Brown of Grifton, NC; and Carrie Brown-Smith of Middletown, DE; fifteen grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of her life will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Saturday, June 17, 2023, in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. You can offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Irene M. George

May 31, 2023

Irene George

Irene Marie George, 79 of Easton, PA died Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at home. Born June 27, 1943 in Allentown, PA she was a daughter of the late Ruth (Zigler) and John A. Sherer. She attended Easton High School and was employed by Easton Hospital for several years. Irene was a member of First Baptist Church, Easton where she had been a Sunday School teacher. She was also a volunteer at the Crayola Factory in Easton.

She is survived by her children: Stephen George (wife Tracey) with whom she resided, Marvin George (wife Peggy), Tammy George, Gary George (wife June); sister: May Sherer; 8 grandchildren: Marvin, Jr., Kerri Ann, Rachel, Allison, Jessica, Elizabeth, Destiny, Summer; and great-grandchildren. Her husband: Marvin L. George and brothers: John, Jr. and Thomas Sherer died earlier.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 2 PM in First Baptist Church, 177 N. Greenwood Ave., Easton.  Memorial contributions may be made to the church, 177 N. Greenwood Ave., Easton, PA 18045. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

 

 

Ralph F. Powell

May 26, 2023

Ralph Powell

Ralph F. Powell, 97, of Wilson Borough, PA passed away Friday, May 26, 2023 in his home. He was the husband of the late Charlotte “Chote” (Stem) Powell to whom he was married for 70 years. Born in Easton on June 20, 1925, he was a son of the late Alex and Violet Powell. He was a graduate of Easton High School Class of 1943 where he was a proud star halfback on the varsity football team. Upon graduation he honorably served his country as a U.S. Navy radioman in the Pacific theater during World War II. He was employed by the United States Postal Service as a clerk in the Easton and Lehigh Valley facilities for over 25 years.

Ralph enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and had a sharp sense of humor, keeping everyone on their toes. He and Chote especially liked making the rounds with friends at the Safety First Fire Co. and Wilson Democratic Clubs among many other clubs where they were members. He was also a member of New Creation UCC, Palmer Twp.

He will be lovingly remembered by his sisters: Elsie Amy of Palmer Township, PA, Dawn Medlar of Levittown, PA; nieces: Deborah Happel, Roberta Rapp, Susan Samhammer, Brenda Witt and nephew: Bruce Medlar. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his brother: Alex Powell, Jr.

Services will be private at the family’s request. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ashton Funeral Home, Easton, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to The Center for Animal Health & Welfare, Easton, PA or to a veteran’s organization of your choice. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.